Fernando Torres insists it is imperative Liverpool find new owners quickly if they are to avoid falling further behind the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

Spain striker Torres pledged his future to the Reds last month amid feverish speculation linking him with a move away and he is confident that should current owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks sell in the immediate future, they can start to catch up on the big clubs.

"It's fundamental new owners arrive who can make us a competitive side," he told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope.

Reiterating his commitment to "the biggest club in England", where he is contracted until 2013, the 26-year-old said he is desperate to help bring the glory days back to Anfield.

For that to happen, Torres believes Gillett and Hicks must complete their proposed sale of the club as soon as possible.

Torres added: "We're not that far behind. We had an appalling season last time around, but the year before, we were just four points from Manchester United.

"Hopefully, we can find a consortium that buys the club and can make Liverpool able to fight financially with Chelsea and United. Then let's see what we're capable of doing this season."

Like Torres, captain Steven Gerrard was linked with a move away from Anfield this summer and his retention was thought to be a crucial factor behind his team-mate's decision to stay.

"Liverpool kept Steven Gerrard, which was fundamental. It's still a great team," Torres said. "It's a delicate situation because we're not in the Champions League but it's still the biggest club in England and to play at Anfield every week is a privilege.

"That's how I see it. I like to have targets and to be able to help bring Liverpool back where they deserve to be is a beautiful target. It's always complicated when you start with a new manager and new players, but we'll see what we're capable of."